Top NFL Free Agents to Watch as 2025 Offseason Approaches

ARLINGTON, Texas — As the 2025 NFL offseason approaches, teams are preparing for the opening of free agency on March 12. With a projected salary cap climbing to $279.2 million, many franchises are looking to make impactful signings this year.

With key players like Tee Higgins and Trey Smith receiving franchise tags, one name stands out among the top unsigned free agents: Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland. Over the past three seasons, Holland has been consistently ranked as one of the league’s top safeties. Although he posted a career-low PFF overall grade of 63.0 in 2024, his overall body of work keeps him in the spotlight as free agency approaches.

“Evaluating free agents in this market means closely analyzing past performance and future potential,” said Pro Football Focus analyst Sam Monson. “With such a significant increase in the salary cap, we expect record-breaking contracts for top-tier talent.”

Available defensive backs like Holland and others will be crucial for teams aiming to bolster their secondaries. The free agency period presents a unique opportunity as several teams are expected to reevaluate their rosters to compete effectively in the coming season.

In addition to offensive tackle and linebacker positions, teams are eyeing talented pass-rushers. Players such as Khalil Mack, who is coming off a strong performance but is contemplating retirement, and Sam Darnold, who excelled in the latter part of the 2024 season, remain intriguing prospects for teams looking to improve their rosters.

Teams are also exploring the second-tier free-agent market to fill needs without breaking the bank. Dallas Cowboys’ executive vice president Stephen Jones hinted at increased spending, especially after freeing up nearly $57 million in cap space.

“We’re in an advantageous position, but it’s still critical to be smart with our spending,” Jones mentioned. “While we consider bringing back players like Trevon Diggs, we must also focus on filling roster gaps.”

As the signing period quickly approaches, several players with varying degrees of past success and injury concerns, such as Chris Godwin and Amari Cooper, will be among the discussions as teams strategize for their 2025 campaign.

“Injuries are a significant aspect of our evaluations this offseason,” added Monson. “With new medical insights, some players will be evaluated differently compared to previous offseasons.”

In preparation, teams are also anticipating the NFL Draft, which will influence free-agent strategies over the next few weeks. With a deep class of incoming talent, teams may opt to address their needs through the draft rather than relying solely on expensive free agents.

As the days count down to free agency, teams across the league are weighing their options. The combination of rising salary caps, promising free agents, and rosters that need adjustments will make this offseason one of the most active in recent years.